Can one out of two person booking cancel their flights?

One Ticket, Two Travelers, One Cancellation: What Happens to Your Flight?

Booking flights for two people often means a single transaction, a single itinerary. But what happens when only one person can make the trip? Does that mean the other ticket is automatically cancelled? The simple answer is no. Unused tickets in a two-person booking don’t automatically vanish. However, the process of dealing with a partial cancellation is far from straightforward and depends entirely on the airline’s policies.

The myth of automatic cancellation needs addressing. Many travelers mistakenly believe that if one person cancels, the entire booking is void. This isn’t the case. Your tickets remain valid until you actively take steps to change or cancel them. Ignoring the situation, however, won’t magically refund the unused portion.

The crucial first step is to contact your airline directly. Their policies regarding refunds or changes for unused portions of a multi-person booking vary significantly. Some airlines may offer a full refund, minus a cancellation fee, for the unused ticket, particularly if the cancellation is made well in advance of the departure date. Others might only allow you to change the name on the ticket (subject to fees and availability), potentially transferring it to another traveler. Still others may offer no refund or change options whatsoever, leaving you with a non-refundable ticket.

Factors influencing the airline’s decision include:

• The fare type: A non-refundable ticket will obviously have stricter cancellation policies than a fully flexible fare.
• The timing of the cancellation: Cancelling well in advance generally increases your chances of a refund or a less punitive fee.
• The airline’s specific policies: These policies are often detailed in the terms and conditions of your ticket, so review these carefully before booking.

Before contacting the airline, gather all necessary information:

• Your booking reference number: This is crucial for quick access to your reservation.
• The names of all passengers: This helps the airline identify the specific ticket needing alteration.
• The reason for cancellation: While not always mandatory, providing a reason can sometimes improve your chances of a favourable outcome.

Don’t rely on assumptions. Proactive communication with the airline is essential to understanding your options and avoiding unnecessary financial loss. A quick phone call or online chat can save you significant frustration and potentially recover some or all of the cost of the unused ticket. Remember, your unused ticket doesn’t automatically disappear – but it won’t magically refund itself either. Take control and contact your airline.